Denny Hecker

Denny Hecker's highest-paid confidant has been sentenced to 27 months in federal prison for his role in a fraud scheme that brought down the auto dealer's empire that once did $6 billion in annual sales.

The attorney for former Twin Cities auto magnate Denny Hecker is asking that Hecker serve no more than eight years in prison. Hecker is scheduled to be sentenced in federal court in Minneapolis on Feb. 11. He pleaded guilty last September to conspiracy and bankruptcy fraud. Prosecutors want Hecker s…

The white snow flew and the red ink grew as 2010 drew to a close in Minnesota, but the snowstorm that brought down the Metrodome roof and a daunting $6.2 billion projected state deficit were just two of the year's most notable stories.